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Suspected Somali Pirates Taken to...
An EU warship is transferring six suspected pirates to the Seychelles for possible prosecution following a an incident in...
IMO Secretary-General advocates for empowering...
IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, has released a video message on the occasion of International Day for Women in Maritime 2024....
Chabahar Port: US says sanctions...
The US has warned of potential sanctions for any country considering business deals with Iran, hours after India signed...
China Overtakes Korea in Global...
Korea’s shipbuilding industry was overtaken by China’s shipbuilding industry in the global competitiveness rankings, according to a report. China...
Job opportunities in UK MCA:
posted on: May 15, 2024
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Pakistan’s Gwadar port: Why China’s BRI flagship is stalling...
posted on: May 14, 2024
In November 2016, Gwadar port symbolized stability, peace and prosperity for Pakistan — at least according to then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. “This day is the dawn of a new era,” he told the opening ceremony crowd, which had gathered to witness a row of Chinese trucks arriving to load cargo onto the first-ever container ship to pass through the port. It was the official launch of the port’s operations, nearly a decade after its completion. The ceremony also marked the start of the prestigious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of China’s global collection of infrastructure projects and trade networks known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Yet today, nearly eight years later, this new era has yet to dawn. A DW analysis shows what went wrong. ‘Investors thought Gwadar would become Dubai’ The idea behind the CPEC was to connect China’s western Xinjiang province with the sea via...
China May Be Starting Work on Another Artificial Island in S. China Sea...
posted on: May 14, 2024
The government of the Philippines is dispatching a coast guard cutter to investigate suspected Chinese island-building activity at Sabina Shoal, a reef located less than 90 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan. China has built multiple artificial islands atop reefs in the Spratly archipego, constructing “unsinkable carriers” with air defenses, strategic runways and long-range radar installations – but Sabina Shoal would be by far the closest to the Philippines’ home islands yet. In a statement, the office of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that it was sending one cutter to monitor the “supposed illegal activities of China,” and accused Chinese forces of creating “an artificial island.” As evidence, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela said that there were dozens of Chinese research vessels, naval vessels and other ships gathered at Sabina Shoal. He said that there are signs that someone has been dumping crushed coral on the...
Is a closure in the Strait of Hormuz on the cards?...
posted on: May 14, 2024
In a recent weekly report, shipbroker Intermodal said that “the Strait of Hormuz represents a vital artery for global trade, especially in the oil and gas industry. In this report, we will focus on how a potential blockage of the Strait of Hormuz (with its narrowest points at only 29 nautical miles) amidst increasing tensions in the Middle East could affect the gas industry and the extent to which such an event could occur. To provide a better perspective on the importance of this choke point, 20.0% of the global LNG trade (Qatar and U.A.E LNG exports) passes through the Strait of Hormuz, where there are no alternative routes (in contrast to the Abqaiq-Yanbu and Abu Dhabi crude oil pipelines)”. Source: Intermodal According to Mr. Yiannis Parganas, Intermodal’s Head of Research Department, said that “more specifically, according to our estimations for 2023, both Qatar (the world’s third-largest LNG exporter)...
Biofeedback and neurofeedback as tools for seafarers’ stress management...
posted on: May 14, 2024
Managing stress in the high-stakes environment of seafaring is crucial for the safety and efficiency of maritime operations and for the mental well-being of the crew, argues, Dr. Michela Terrei, Psychologist, I.M.A. ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING CENTER, INC. According to the WHO, stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is an instinctual human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way we respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to our overall well-being”. Advances in psychological and neuroscientific methods, particularly biofeedback and neurofeedback, could represent additional tools for enhancing stress management techniques. These methods offer real-time insights into physiological responses to emotions and mental functions, allowing individuals to gain awareness and control of their reactions to stressful and challenging situations. Biofeedback and neurofeedback are techniques that measure...
Wind propulsion and decarbonization
posted on: May 14, 2024
During the SAFETY4SEA Hamburg Forum 2024, Gavin Allwright, Secretary General, International Windship Association (IWSA), provided a comprehensive exploration of wind propulsion and its crucial role in reducing shipping emissions. MEPC 80 – Decarbonisation strategy Our emission reduction targets are ambitious: aiming for a 20% reduction by 2030 (striving for 30%), measured against a baseline year of 2008. Acknowledging that 2008 represented a notably high emissions level, we recognize that our current emissions exceed this benchmark. Looking ahead to 2040, our objective is even more substantial—a reduction of 70% (striving for 80%) in emissions. Ultimately, we aim to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, although I personally find the concept of “net zero” complex. Initially, the IMOstrategy focused on fuel-based solutions, aiming for 5% of zero-emissions fuel adoption by 2030 (striving for 10%). However, this perspective has shifted to focus on energy and the technologies that harness it. Wind propulsion emerges as...
Vessel attacked by individuals on skiff off Somalia...
posted on: May 14, 2024
In a recent incident in the Gulf of Aden, off Somalia, a vessel was attacked by a skiff carrying five or six individuals armed with weapons and ladders. The vessel’s Master reported the encounter, detailing that upon the approach of the small craft, self-protection measures were initiated. However, the armed individuals onboard the skiff proceeded to fire at the vessel, prompting swift action from the vessel’s Armed Security Team. According to a United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations alert, the attack occurred approximately 195 nautical miles east of Aden, Yemen, at 0457 hours. British security firm Ambrey provided further insight, stating that the vessel reported a suspicious approach from the blue-hulled small boat, situated about 92 nautical miles northwest of Bosaso, Somalia. In response to the imminent threat, the vessel altered its course and sounded its horn as a warning signal. Simultaneously, the armed guards onboard discharged two shots in...
Australia to Phase Out All Live Export Within Four Years...
posted on: May 14, 2024
The government of Australia plans to say farewell to the continent’s dwindling live export trade, and will introduce legislation to phase it out altogether within four years. Live export is controversial because of often-difficult onboard conditions for the livestock, and it generates comparatively little revenue for Australian producers, opponents say. Under the plan, ranchers who depend on live export will be provided with transition support and will be encouraged to make the switch to domestic processing. “The community expects Australia to have the world’s best animal welfare practices,” agriculture minister Murray Watt said. “I understand that some in the community will want to see the trade stopped tomorrow, and others not at all. As a government we have taken the time to get this right.” Australian live sheep exports have been declining for decades, and dropped from AUD$415 million in 2003 to AUD$77 million in 2023 – less than...
AMSA trusts in digitalization for safer and more efficient shipping...
posted on: May 14, 2024
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has embarked on a digital transformation journey for a safer, more efficient and sustainable maritime industry. According to AMSA, technical advances are going to drastically change the maritime industry in the next decade. Digitalisation is necessary for Australia to protect its marine eco-systems and stay competitive. The Authority is collaborating on initiatives aimed at helping the industry adopt new technology and transform their businesses. Key initiatives include: Implementing high-speed connectivity to enhance communication channels, improving bandwidth, reliability, and range. Establishing harmonized and seamless data exchange protocols to enhance data access and transmission services across the maritime industry. Strengthening cyber security measures to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and communications. Integrating Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) to provide digital services supporting autonomous and uncrewed systems, thereby enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability in maritime operations. Credit: AMSA Digitalization and its benefits for...
Preparing for PSC Inspections: Key considerations...
posted on: May 12, 2024
There is no golden rule for a PSC preparation; however, employing common sense and taking basic actions prior to a ship’s PSC inspection (PSCI) can be beneficial. Typically, shipping companies will send out a PSC preparation checklist outlining items to be reviewed prior to arrival. This checklist is standardized across all ports worldwide and is likely crafted based on the company’s own experience, PSC history, or information shared by other industry stakeholders such as classification societies and flag states. However, these checklists primarily serve as evidence within the company that all necessary steps were taken to mitigate undesirable PSC inspection outcomes. Almost all checklists begin with Certification Checking. The list consists of more than 30 items, including all shipboard certificates. Therefore, the Master must go through this list every time prior to arrival. However, these items should be completely removed from the Master’s obligation for checking. It is clearly the Company’s responsibility to...
New service offers neuropsychological support to crews sailing in the Red Sea...
posted on: May 12, 2024
The CIRM, the Italian maritime telemedicine service (TMAS) has declared its capacity to provide remote neuropsychological support to crews of merchant ships that may be subject to attacks in the Red Sea by developing UNSAFE SEA, a dedicated service offering neurological and psychological support. According to a Marine Advisory by the Republic of Liberia, the Italian Coast Guard said that the increasing number of attacks on commercial ships transiting the Red Sea poses significant problems in safeguarding the health of seafarers. Those seafarers who have or could be subject to attacks, after experiencing such negative events, are at a high risk of developing psychological disorders. …the Italian Coast Guard stated. With the UNSAFE SEA project, CIRM hopes to alleviate the stress that ships’ crew may experience. The service consists in telemedical assistance for offering: valuable emotional support, medical advice, if necessary, prescription of integration of the contents of the ship’s pharmacy with medical...
Emerging ship security challenges
posted on: May 12, 2024
During the SAFETY4SEA Hamburg Forum 2024, Nikos Georgopoulos, Chief Business Development Officer, Diaplous, gave a presentation on emerging ship security challenges. The presenter explored the current reality in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea concerning maritime terrorism and attacks on commercial shipping and explained that understanding the reasons behind these attacks is crucial for devising effective countermeasures. Houthi presence in an ever-tense area Afew years ago, in 2022, the industry decided to declassify the high-risk area of the Indian Ocean and the passage through the Red Sea. Concerns were raised about this declassification, removing the perceived threat. According to the theory of risk assessment, a serious threat requires intention, capability, and opportunity. Over time, while the intention and capability remained, the opportunity diminished. The mitigation measures adopted were strong enough to make pirates change careers. This meant fewer attacks from pirates, with the last one being in 2017. However,...
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The hijacking of M.V. Abdullah The hijacking of M.V. Abdullah By Ghulam Suhrawardi* Since the first hijacking of Bangladeshi vessel M.V. Jahan Moni in December 2010, M.V. Abdullah was the second vessel to encounter the same fate on March 12, 2024. KSRM Group, the parent company of SR Shipping Limited, owns both vessels. Based on […]
Candidates for Secretary-General of IMO Candidates for Secretary-General of IMO in International Shipping News 04/04/2023 Seven IMO Member States have each nominated a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The term of the current incumbent, Mr. Kitack Lim of the Republic of Korea, expires on 31 December 2023. The nominations received […]
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